Hot For Teacher (52 page)

When I leave I lock the door behind me and head down the stairs. I need to hurry. This is gonna make it harder and harder to stay away from her, to pretend we are only teacher and student. But God, I want nothing more than to be with her, know her better, and to hold her in my arms. I’m determined to have her and if we’re caught, then I’ll just have to find another job that can support me along with playing in the band. I was so kidding myself. I can’t wait a whole school year to be with her. There’s no way.

He’s going to the store for me. Taking care of my every need. Why does this make me so nervous? Is he thinking I’m a child who can’t take care of myself or that he’s just trying to be helpful? My head hurts along with my coughing and sneezing, but I’m so confused. He can get in a ton of trouble, and I’m not worth it. He could lose his career and I shouldn’t let him. I know we have feelings for each other, and I’d like nothing more than to act on those feelings, but I can’t let him do this. God, I want him. I decide I need to do something. Show him I can take care of myself and then find a way to stay away from him.

I manage to force myself into the shower and find the hot water is surprisingly wonderful. After doing all my bathroom things, I get dressed in a comfy pair of yoga pants and long t-shirt. Okay, I don’t feel well enough to put on a bra but my assets are hidden. I gather up all the papers he brought and sit down at the small kitchen table and start working on my homework. Even though this is not helping my head I try to concentrate.

“Hey, you should be resting.” I look up from my paper as Josh walks in, my eyes follow him into the kitchen, and I watch as he puts everything away. Too comfortable, too at home.

I sigh, not wanting to do what I’m getting ready to do, but I have no choice. I look back down at my paper and frown. “You should leave. I’m fine now. Thank you for everything but I can manage.” Silence. Footsteps. I feel him, his warmth and peek up. He’s standing next to me, worry, frustration and concern marring his gorgeous face. “Look. I know you mean well but….” I turn slightly laying my pen down on the table and try to give him a smile. I don’t think I was very successful. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything you’ve done but I’m afraid we’ll get caught. I’m afraid you’ll lose your job that you’ve worked so hard for. You don’t deserve this.” I look down at my hands that are wringing in my lap and try to keep the tears that are clouding my vision from spilling over. “I’m not worth it.”

The warmth of his body is closer as I feel the touch of his hand cup my face and I try to keep looking down as he pushes it up but I can’t stop my eyes from moving up to his. “Hey. You’re worth it. Don’t ever say that. Look. I’ve never had a relationship, not really, and I probably suck at it but I know what I want. I want to get to know you, see where it goes.” A lone tear leaves my eye and trickles down my cheek. He tenderly wipes it away, leaving his thumb there. “I’ve never wanted anything more. Can’t we try? We can be careful. You’ll see.” My head nods shakily and suddenly I’m in his arms. Mine move around his slim waist, my head turning to the side and laying on his broad chest. I’m still worried. Worried to death. But if he’s willing to try, to risk his career for me, then I should be willing to take the chance with him.

“Now,” he says as he moves back a bit and looks me in the eye. “First thing is to get you better and get that homework done. You sit and work while I cut up some fruit for you and if you need help, I’ll be right here.” My smile is genuine as he walks back into the kitchen and I pick up my pen. Maybe this will work out just fine and we won’t get caught. Maybe I’m worrying for nothing. Am I fooling myself because there is such a huge chance we could get caught and then what will happen? The one thing he didn’t say is what would happen if we did get caught and he lost his job. Would we still be together or would he regret his decision to be with me? I’m too afraid to ask. Shit.

After he helped me get caught up on my Calculus homework and fed me some fruit and more soup, he kissed my forehead and said to stay home again tomorrow to rest and he would turn in my homework for me. How can I not want to be with this caring man? This man who wants to look out for me, take care of me and is hotter than any man on the planet? I must be insane and so freakin’ lucky. Who am I kidding? I can’t stay away from him. There’s no way.

By Friday I’m back to my old self. Thank God! Josh came over every day after school, made me different things to eat and I have to say, he’s one hell of a cook. I could get so used to that and already miss him when he’s not here. He and the band are playing at another bar this weekend, but we’re so busy at Randy’s that the time flies. After getting back into the groove, I’m exhausted by the time I get home, but I feel a little better once I’ve taken a shower.

I get all cozy in my bed when my phone rings. Who in the hell could be calling at this late hour? Sluggishly I get out of bed and shuffle to the kitchen. I need to figure out a way to get a cellphone. “Hello?” My voice is already a little hoarse from exhaustion.

“Hey,” his rough voice speaks.

“Hey,” I sigh into the phone.

“I was just laying here missing you.”

“I miss you too. How did your gig go tonight?” I bring the receiver back to the bedroom with me and lay down in bed getting comfy under the covers.

“It was great but it would’ve been better if you’d been there.” Damn, he’s making me swoon.

You know that feeling you get every time you see or hear the person you are head over heels for? The one that makes you eager to see or hear them every second of the day? Yeah, that’s what I’m feeling right now.

“I have an idea!” My heart speeds up, and I try to wait patiently. “There’s a town just about an hour from here and I think we should take advantage of the distance and go out on a date.” Hmmm, I like the way he thinks. “Next weekend. Can you see if you can get Friday or Saturday night off? I’m thinking dinner and a movie.”

“Randy owes me time off,” I respond. Lord knows I never take any off. “It’s a date and a great idea.

He gets quiet and I look to see if he’s hung up but it still shows connected. “Emma?” His voice is quieter, breathless. “What are you wearing?”

I giggle. I can’t help it. We’ve been talking a lot on the phone lately and he’s threatened to buy me a cellphone but I just can’t let him do that. Am I stubborn? Yeah, kind of, but I just can’t have him buying me expensive stuff. “Oh, I’m just laying here in my skimpy camisole and panties.” I giggle again. I don’t even own those kinds of things. I’m in my oversized favorite t-shirt.

“Damn! I wish I was there,” his voice sounds breathless, and it’s making me shiver.

The next week is the longest of my young life. His class is my only saving grace and then there’s Calculous. Ugh! We’ve been meeting for lunch under our tree but not every day. I’m so afraid we’ll be caught, but he thinks I’m too paranoid. He should be more than he is. After all, it’s his job. Friday night finally comes and I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know why I am because it’s not like we don’t know each other or haven’t been around together. However, we haven’t been officially out together, you know like out together. Shit! I’m so freaking nervous!

I pull my blouse down over the top of my skirt for the hundredth time and sigh. Practically ripping them off, I throw them into the bottom of my closet on top of the growing mound of discarded clothes. I look around again, moving deep into the back of my closet and smile. I remove a dress from its hanger and pull it over my head, walk back out and stand in front of my full length mirror hanging on the back of the door. There. Perfect.

My head snaps to the hallway when I hear a knock on my front door and my heart speeds up. He’s here. My heart about chokes me as I look at myself one more time, brush my hands down the front of my dress and turn around, picking up my shoes from the floor and walk out of my room. I hop as I slip my high heels on each foot and make my way to the front door. When I open it, a small gasp leaves my mouth. The most gorgeous man is standing outside, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He’s dressed in a light blue button down shirt with navy blue slacks. His blue eyes are magnified by his attire.

“You look…. God, you’re beautiful,” he whispers. I look down almost shyly but when I feel him take my hand I look back up into his eyes. He smiles. “Really beautiful.” My lips turn up into a smile and suddenly my heart steadies. “These are for you,” he says still smiling as he holds the fragrant flowers out to me. I take them from him and start to turn away to take them to the kitchen so I can put them in some water but, instead, I’m pulled close to him and his mouth covers mine. Tingles flow through me in a steady stream. His lips warm, soft. I’ve never felt this way, never had anyone completely overtake me, overwhelm me. His mouth releases mine, but he stays close pressing his forehead against mine. “I’m not sorry. I’ve waited as long as I could to do that but I couldn’t stand it any longer.” His smile is breathtaking.

“I’m not sorry either,” I whisper.

Our breaths come out in pants, and I’m wishing we’d just stay here now, but I move back and his hand slowly slides out of mine. I walk quickly into the kitchen and can’t find anything that can be used as a vase. Finally, digging in the cabinet under the sink, I find an old mayonnaise jar. I clean it out and then fill it with water. After cutting off the end of the stems, I place them in the jar and set it on the breakfast bar counter. I look over by the door and see him leaning against the wall. His arms are crossed over his broad chest and looking all kinds of sexy watching me. My nervousness evaporates as I walk over to him. I stand up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips again because I can. He smiles against my lips and I step back down flat on my feet and smile.

“Let’s go have this date.”

He takes my hand holding onto it as I lock the door behind us, and together we walk out the front door of the complex. “So, what are we doing?” I ask as he opens the passenger door of his truck and I sit down. He winks as he shuts my door and my smile couldn’t be any bigger as I watch him walk around the front of his truck and gets into the driver seat. My heart is racing from the excitement and his closeness. He starts the truck, looks over his shoulder as he backs out and then he starts driving down the road.

He looks over at me and smiles, then keeps his eyes on the road and me, simultaneously. “I thought first, a quiet dinner, then maybe a movie but let’s see where dinner takes us. I like to plan yet I also like to be spontaneous and let things just happen.” He winks at me again, and I don’t think he could be any more gorgeous and breathtaking as he is right this very moment. My smile continues as I nod and start to look out the front window when I feel his hand take mine, his fingers threading through mine. Warmth. When my eyes look at him again, instead of seeing playful Josh, his face has changed into seriousness, his eyes half-mast and full of desire.
Damn! Is it getting hot in here?
As we continue our way out of town, my mind wanders. I wish we didn’t have to hide. I wish we could walk the streets, holding hands, and act like a normal couple. I’m broken free of my thoughts when his hand squeezes mine and I look over at his smiling face. It’s like he can read my mind, his eyes telling me to stop thinking so hard, that it will all be okay. I smile and then watch the scenery pass by. Now’s not the time to wish how things could be but to live in the moment and cherish what we have. For now.

§    §    §    §

As I drive her to our destination, my mind thinks back to when she first opened her door. I about lost it when I saw her. Her black sexy dress and those damn matching high heels sent my heart pounding into overdrive. My heart lodged in my throat at her beauty. When she started to go put the flowers I gave her in water, I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her into me, kissing those full lips. I’ve wanted to do that for so long. It was so much more than I could have imagined. So soft, warm. Her smell invaded me. A little of her perfume and her unique scent all at once overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to let her go.

I blink bringing me back to now as I watch the road. Her hand feels right in mine; everything feels right being with her. How can we wait a whole school year? Sneaking around, hiding. I want to walk down a street with her, holding hands, declaring my feelings for her in public, be able to take her places, and kissing her when I want to. Shit! I can’t think about that. I need to focus on
now
.

We finally reach the restaurant. Her eyes light up when I pull into a parking place. I get out quickly, reluctant to release her warm hand, and run over to open her door for her. I take her hand again and help her out. After opening the front door for her, I take her to the hostess stand, and we are immediately taken to a half round booth in the back. Thank God I made a reservation as this place is packed. As I sit down, sliding over until I’m beside her, I can tell she’s nervous as she looks around. Her hand is lying on the seat and I cover it with mine. Her eyes snap to me until she’s looking deep into my soul. “Don’t worry, Emma.” I watch as her body relaxes, her smile small.

We order our food, and I get us a bottle of wine. It’s not long before our glasses are filled, and I raise my glass to her. “Here’s to many, many more dates.” I smile. Her beautiful smile widens, the white of her teeth magnified by the candles glowing on our table. She takes a sip and sets her glass down on the table.

“Josh. This is amazing,” she says breathlessly.

I turn more to her, placing my other hand on her cheek, and she closes her eyes briefly. “You’re amazing.” I lean forward, her body copying mine, and kiss those lips. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her now that I’ve had a taste. Our kiss becomes heated, fast, and I don’t want to stop. Apparently neither does she. I sadly pull away but peck her wet lips twice when our waiter appears. She reluctantly turns, but the smile on her face tells me she enjoyed it too. He takes our orders and is back fairly soon with our food.

“So, tell me about you. I want to know everything,” I ask then take a bite of steak.